A SERVICE for terminal cancer patients in Darlington could become a blueprint for care across the country.

Darlington Primary Care Trust, St Teresa's Hospice and Marie Curie Cancer Care run a joint scheme that aims to keep cancer patients in their homes and give them the best care when they do have to go in hospital.

The Department of Health has asked the scheme leaders to submit a bid to try to become one of three best practice projects in England.

If chosen, the scheme would get two years of Government funding and would be used as an example of best practice to other health authorities.

Hospice nurse manager Elaine Isham said she hoped Darlington would be selected.

She said: "The way we have all worked together in Darlington has been very cost-effective. We have a respite unit which is district nurse-led and the out-of-hours district nurses provide sister cover during the night, which gives the patients continuity of care.

"It gives the patients a choice they never had before. They used to have to go into hospital and a busy acute hospital ward isn't the ideal place for people who are dying.

"The other option was to stay at home, but this was often a problem for the younger patients with children as they worried about how the children would react."

Dr Trevor Birnie, from the trust, said the town had a proven track record of partnership working.

"This means we can offer a seamless, 24-hour service for palliative care patients," he said.

The Department of Health is expected to make a decision on the projects within the next few weeks.